Convicted drug dealer arrested, charged with trafficking

ELYRIA — Residents’ complaints and quick police work by the Elyria Police Department’s Narcotics Unit led to the arrest of a known drug dealer.

Kimbro

Delance Kimbro, 28, was arrested at 331 Furnace St. at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Kimbro was charged with trafficking in crack cocaine and on a bench warrant through Elyria Municipal Court and through the North Ridgeville Police Department for trafficking in heroin.

Celio Branch also was arrested and charged with possession of heroin at 335 Furnace St.

Police Capt. Chris Costantino said Kimbro’s arrest came after numerous complaints from community members who witnessed what appeared to be drug activity at 331 Furnace St. Kimbro was found with a small amount of crack cocaine and $960, which was confiscated by police.

“This arrest was a direct result of complaints from citizens,” Costantino said.

Costantino said that the Narcotics Unit’s resurrection this year has boosted officers’ dedication and focus on drug dealers and curbing drug use.

“We’re able to respond to citizens’ complaints more effectively by having this unit back,” he said.

He said residents can call the Narcotics Unit with complaints at (440) 326-1235.

Kimbro, who was taken to Lorain County Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond, was arraigned Wednesday at Elyria Municipal Court, where he entered no plea to the charges. A preliminary hearing is set at 2 p.m. today.

Kimbro has numerous prior convictions for possession of drug and drug trafficking, according to court records.